EU Blue Card – Requirements and Eligibility

 

What is EU Blue Card?

An EU Blue Card is a residence permit for skilled non-EU foreign nationals to work in an EU country. It allows its holder to enter the EU country and remain in a particular place for employment.

 

The EU Blue card facilitates the admission of non-EU highly skilled professionals into the EU. Its intention is to simplify the procedures and improve the legal status of those already in the EU.

 

The permit permits its holder to enter, re-enter and stay in the country in which EU Blue Card had been issued. The holders can also accompany their family members. The EU Blue Card holder and their family members are granted freedom of movement within the EU.

 

The EU Blue card holder enjoys the similar treatment with the nationals of the Member State where they have settled. But, they can only work in sectors they are only concerned about.

 

If a third-country national holds an EU Blue Card, after regular employment of 18 months, they can move to another EU member state to take up employment. They must notify the authorities there within one month of their arrival. Ireland, Denmark and the United Kingdom are not included in this program.

 

EU Countries Issuing the EU Blue Card

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czechia
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden

 

EU Blue Card Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria of EU Blue Card are given below:

 

• Have a Master’s Degree or equivalent
• Have at least 5 years of experience in your field
• Have a work contract or a job offer for highly skilled employment for at least one year
• Meet the minimum salary threshold in the EU country in which you want to work
• For regulated professions: proof that the national legal requirements are met

 

EU Blue Card Requirements

• Application Form must be completely filled by you or your employer with correct information. Print the application form twice and sign both copies at the end
• A valid passport for at least 15 more months beyond your planned date to leave the EU. It should have at least two blank pages in order to be able to affix visa, as well
• Keep extra copies of some important passport pages. The first pages that consider your details and the pages with visa stickers and stamps
• Previous passports must be submitted, if you have any older passports, you will have to submit them
• Provide two photos. The two photos must be in colour, with white plain background and must be identical. The photos should be taken recently and should meet ICAO standards
• Work contract with an EU employer who is based in the country you wish to work in. It should be valid for at least one year and meet minimal wage required. It should be signed by all parties involved
• A university diploma is required as a proof of professional level. It is mandatory to show proof of continuous 5 years professional work experience in your relevant field
• In case of regulated profession – submit the acquired certificate
• CV that is Up-to-date
• Proof of fee receipt of the applicant
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof that your salary is more than the average in the hosting state by 1.5 times or 1.2 times for professions in shortage
• A written declaration by your employer stating reasons of employment and the benefits that is gained by this act. As a sponsor, you need to write a declaration stating that the employee meets all necessary conditions that is important to the employer
• Proof of no threat to the security, public policy or health of the hosting state

 

Benefits of EU Blue Card

 

Benefits for Employees

EU Blue Card holders can access many career opportunities that coordinate with their professional goals and personal interests, leveraging their skills and preferences. This flexibility is useful in promoting cross-border cooperation and knowledge sharing, bringing innovation and economic growth within the EU.

 

Also, several EU nations have provisions that allow Blue Card holders to look for permanent residency within one to two years, depending on the country. 

 

Benefits for Employers

The Blue Card is a practical initiative for employers in the EU that streamlines and quickly processes hiring highly skilled non-EU professionals. It addresses skill shortages by facilitating the visa application process, which speeds recruitment. The Blue Card opens a larger talent pool and allows employers to meet cross-border labour demands.

 

Additionally, the prestige associated with the Blue Card is often compared to the US Green Card, which helps employers attract skilled workers looking for regular, long-term possibilities in Europe. Overall, the Blue Card offers many advantages for employers, assisting in recruiting qualified employees while promoting mobility and compliance with EU standards.

 

Application Process for an EU Blue Card

The application process for an EU Blue Card varies from one EU country to another. The Member States can choose whether the third-country national and their employer must apply for the card. Most member states require candidates to apply by setting appointments at the appropriate Embassies or Consulates in their home countries; few member states offer online applications.

 

The EU Member States can also set an upper limit on third-country nationals who can enter their country under an EU Blue Card. The application fee cost is 140 € and 100 € for the renewal of the EU Blue Card. After applying you will have to wait for three months/90 days for processing to complete.

 

EU Blue Card Application Processing Time

The processing time for issuing an EU Blue Card is 90 days.

 

EU Blue Card Validity

The validity of EU Blue card is three years. You can renew your EU Blue Card accordingly if your employment contract gets extended.

 

What Can You Do With as an EU Blue Card Holder?

Amongst many advantages obtained by becoming an EU Blue Card holder, below you can find the benefits of the EU Blue card:

 

• Same work and salary conditions to national citizens
• Free movement throughout EU
• Social rights, including education, health, cultural, economic, human rights
• Family reunification and
• Permanent-residency rights

 

All benefits except loans, housing, and grants are provided to the EU Blue Card holders.

 

EU Blue Card holders are permitted to return to their home countries or other non-EU states for a maximum of 12 consecutive months without losing their ownership of the EU Blue Card.

 

You can apply for a permanent residency permit after working 33 months in the first hosting state or 21 months if you achieve B1 language level knowledge.

 

EU Blue Card Rejection Reasons

• If you have not met the eligibility criteria
• Your application was based on incorrect or false information
• You are considered a threat to the EU's public policy, security, or public health
• A national or EU worker or an non-EU citizen who is already present could fill the vacancy
• Your employer has been found guilty for employed irregular migrants without documents
• Your home country lacks skilled workers in your sector

 

Can we get permanent residency through the EU Blue Card?

Yes. If an EU Blue Card holder work for 33 months in the hosting state or 21 months while also earning the B1 language certificate, they will be eligible for the permanent residency permit. Also, if you work in different EU member states and gather five years of work experience, you are a strong candidate for the permanent residency permit.

 

How can Y-Axis help you?

The Y-Axis team has been the best solution to assist you with your EU Blue Card

 

• Evaluate the appropriate visa type for your application
• Guide documentation
• Assist in filling out online application forms
• Review all your documents
• Assist in the visa application process